Reflect Scientific Launched New Blast Plate Freezer
The Orem-based company's latest device eliminates compressors to achieve -80°C cooling in under 10 minutes.
Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Life Sciences
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Reflect Scientific has launched the PF-90 Blast Plate Freezer, a system designed to reach cryogenic temperatures without the use of mechanical compressors. The device, which is now commercially available, integrates liquid nitrogen and conductive plate cooling to process biological samples.
Why it matters
By removing compressors and circulated refrigerants, the design aims to reduce mechanical failure points and lower total electrical demand for laboratory cooling. This shift addresses the maintenance and longevity challenges often associated with traditional refrigeration cycles in biopharma cold chains.
The PF-90 operates across a temperature range of 40°C to -90°C with a peak variance of ±2°C. It supports a capacity of up to eight 12 L Sartorius Celsius FFTp bags, with the entire 738 kg unit protected by a 20-year cooling system warranty.
The players
Reflect Scientific
An Orem, Utah-based company focused on the design and manufacture of specialized laboratory equipment and cryogenic cooling technologies.
The details
The system achieves cooling by combining liquid nitrogen blast freezing—which rapidly lowers surface temperature—with conductive plate freezing to maintain thermal stability. This mechanism replaces the conventional vapor-compression cycle, where a gas is compressed and expanded to move heat, with a proprietary liquid nitrogen distribution system. By removing the compressor, the device eliminates the moving parts most prone to mechanical fatigue.
Timeline
Reflect Scientific launched the PF-90 Blast Plate Freezer on October 13, 2026.
The Tech Race
Most laboratory cold-chain infrastructure relies on mechanical vapor-compression cycles to maintain ultra-low temperatures. Reflect Scientific is positioning its PF-90 against this established standard by prioritizing longevity and mechanical simplicity over conventional electrical cooling.
The PF-90 is designed for high-throughput biological storage, such as the processing of eight 12 L Sartorius Celsius FFTp bags per cycle. Laboratories using the device will benefit from reduced maintenance requirements for the cooling system and a faster temperature pull-down compared to standard freezers.
The takeaway
The move toward non-mechanical cooling reflects a broader shift in laboratory hardware toward systems with fewer points of failure. Future benchmarks should be monitored to confirm the energy savings of this liquid nitrogen-based architecture compared to compressor-based incumbents.
Further reading
For more on how new technologies are transforming lab workflows, visit our Life Sciences section.
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